For me, making cupcakes is like therapy or something. It’s calming. But I don’t always have time to make them from scratch. So, to make them special, I do at least make the icing from scratch! It makes the cupcakes taste 100% homemade, without all the work.

Ingredients:

Box of red velvet cake mix + all ingredients called for on box

1 stick of unsalted butter at room temperature

8 oz cream cheese at room temperature

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

Bake cupcakes as directed on the box.

While cupcakes are baking, it’s time to make the frosting!

Mix the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. This will take a few minutes. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and keep mixing until smooth.

Spoon into a piping bag, and ice the cupcakes. For added festivity, add sprinkles, too!